By this point, Hiruko had already perfected the Chimera Technique's final framework—determining to ultimately absorb five Kekkei Genkai and balance them against each other, thereby becoming a complete, immortal ninja.
But in reality, his current technique could only perfectly fuse a single Kekkei Genkai.
Achieving perfect fusion of five would require more than a decade of additional research.
"Too dangerous." Danzo spoke almost impatiently. "We absolutely cannot let the Chimera Technique fall into outside hands. I suggest sending Orochimaru to retrieve or destroy everything in Hiruko's base."
The moment he heard of the Chimera Technique, his thoughts had turned to the Sharingan.
The exact same reaction as Hiruko.
God knows how many years he'd resented those Uchiha—how easily they grew stronger.
"Orochimaru? He's been busy with research lately. He might not have time." Hiruzen vetoed the suggestion without even thinking.
"Since Zenshu captured Hiruko, the subsequent mission should also fall to him. What do you think, Minato?"
Minato nodded, approving the proposal.
This caused Danzo's calm expression to shift. A hint of gloom flickered in his eye.
Knock knock.
A light rap on the door made everyone frown.
"Come in." Minato looked toward the entrance.
The door opened. An ANBU ninja entered, approached the desk, and set down a scroll.
Minato picked it up, unrolled it—and his pupils contracted sharply. He closed it immediately.
The unnatural reaction drew everyone's attention.
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe without asking. He was no longer Hokage.
But Danzo had no such reservations.
"Fourth Hokage, what happened?"
Minato didn't answer. Instead, he issued two missions directly: capture the defected ninja Hiruko, and clear out his stronghold.
Both were A-rank. The first was already complete—the focus was the second.
"Mr. Zenshu, take these two with you, along with Kakashi and a squad of ninjas. Depart together."
Zenshu nodded. Before turning to leave, he glanced at Minato—who smiled and nodded in return.
After the three departed, Danzo's patience shattered completely.
"What's recorded in that scroll? Why are you sending Zenshu away from Konoha? What if he leaves and never returns?"
The openly questioning tone exceeded everyone's expectations.
Homura and Koharu frowned, regarding Danzo with clear dissatisfaction.
So far, they were quite satisfied with Minato and recognized him as Hokage.
Danzo's current demeanor didn't resemble a subordinate's at all.
"Danzo. Watch your tone." Hiruzen held his pipe, staring pointedly.
This made Danzo frown. He'd been too hasty.
"Fourth Hokage, this person Zenshu is very dangerous—and very valuable. Sending him on a distant mission so soon after joining... is it appropriate?"
He didn't apologize. Merely reorganized his words and omitted questions he shouldn't have asked.
This wasn't the monkey acting as Hokage anymore. Though the other had always suppressed him, formal communication wasn't necessary.
Because Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't need such formalities to maintain his authority.
At least, he hadn't in the past.
"I'll arrange a suitable squad. The mission destination isn't far. If needed, I'll provide support at any time."
After speaking, Minato prepared to dismiss Danzo and the two advisors.
Danzo walked toward the door, casting one final glance at Minato and Hiruzen before closing it behind him.
His desire for the Hokage seat reignited in his heart.
Hiruzen watched the door seal shut before turning his attention to Minato.
"What exactly happened?"
"That Zenji possesses a Sharingan he can toggle on and off." Minato handed over the scroll, expression grave.
Hiruzen's previously calm demeanor shifted. His pupils contracted. His expression turned serious.
He took the scroll and read through it quickly. Guesses were already forming.
"I recall there was an Uchiha Chunin imprisoned by Zenshu for three years."
"Yes, but that Uchiha is fine. His Sharingan is completely normal. He even benefited from the experience—evolved it to three tomoe." Minato's voice was soft.
"So it shouldn't be a transplant... Could they have Uchiha blood?"
The moment the thought formed, Hiruzen frowned deeply.
"The probability is low. I can't imagine an Uchiha changing their surname."
"True. Judging by their personalities, it doesn't seem likely either."
"Then there's only one possibility."
"Idle Transfiguration." Both spoke simultaneously.
"No wonder Zenshu's eyes appear blind." Minato breathed a sigh of relief. "Those blue eyes of his are probably the result of a failed modification."
"Truly a miraculous technique." Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh. "Even for Sensei, only a handful of jutsu could compare."
"Fourth—what do you plan to do?"
"Wait and observe. A clan's secret technique is the foundation of its existence. Even the village cannot casually investigate it, let alone demand it."
Hiruzen nodded with gratification. Minato was acting more and more like a Hokage.
"By the way, Lord Third—I want to use this merit to make Zenshu a Hokage Advisor." Minato paused. "But Senior Danzo and the other two probably won't agree."
"That will be difficult to accomplish." Hiruzen fell silent, taking a draw from his pipe.
Looking at the Fourth Hokage's gaze, he understood clearly: the other party wouldn't back down easily.
After a moment's consideration, an idea formed.
"Zenshu joined too recently. Making him a Konoha Advisor immediately is impossible."
"But indirect methods exist. For example—Hiruko's Chimera Technique holds significant research value. You could establish a special research project around it."
"Then use that as justification to create a temporary Technical Advisor position. Specifically for consulting on forbidden techniques and specialized matters."
"However, to court him so aggressively right after he joined..."
Hiruzen didn't finish. The implication was clear.
"Lord Third, Zenshu is strong. Unexpectedly strong. It's just that his body no longer allows him to fight."
Minato's tone turned firm.
"He won't live more than two years."
"But his six juniors are different. Especially those three children."
"If we can trade a few years of an advisor position for three genius ninjas of Konoha Village—there couldn't be a better deal."
Hiruzen thought of Gojo Satoru and nodded slightly.
The most important reason he'd agreed to everything from the beginning was that Zenshu wouldn't live much longer.
Naturally, he understood Minato's current thinking perfectly.
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